For the answer, look no further than the final score from Wednesday night.

A 2-0 victory over the Cubs is never a bad thing, especially in a playoff race (which, it's fair to say, the Brewers are in). But a team, especially this team, needs to do better than two runs a game if it wants to win a division – even one as lackluster as the NL Central is this season.

Weeks is third in batting average (.270), RBI (43) and home runs (19). His 71 runs scored are best on the team and second in the National League. His absence, even if its miraculously short, is going to cause serious problems.

All too often this season, the Brewers have had to rely on Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder to put runs on the board. Having Weeks atop the lineup helped but with everybody else struggling, Roenicke had no choice but to move him into the No. 5 spot in order to provide some kind of protection for his all-star sluggers.

At the moment, the top candidate to take Weeks' spot is Craig Counsell who is batting .155 and hasn't had a hit in his last 38 at-bats. Whether or not general manager Doug Melvin is able to make a move remains to be seen, but with a shopping list that presumably includes a third baseman, a shortstop and a lefty for the bullpen, a second baseman might be a little too much to ask.

That leaves it up to the rest of the lineup to step up, if you'll excuse the cliche. Yuniesky Betancourt has played well the last few weeks, but he can't revert to his first half form. Casey McGehee has shown a few flashes, but his apparent loss of power is worrisome.

As of tonight, the Brewers hold a half-game lead over the rest of the NL Central with 57 games to play. It's make or break time for the Brewers. Consistency hasn't been their strong suit this season and with Weeks out, the road isn't going to get any easier.

More Information…

Talkbacks

Facebook comments

Disclaimer: Please note that Facebook comments are posted through Facebook and cannot be approved, edited or declined by OnMilwaukee.com. The opinions expressed in Facebook comments do not necessarily reflect those of OnMilwaukee.com or its staff.

Recent Articles & Blogs by OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writers

Dustin Zick is the social media manager for Marcus Hotel and Resorts in Milwaukee. "I basically post to Facebook and Tweet all day," jokes Zick. He's also a dedicated dog owner and a strong supporter of the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Our region needs to take action on regional transit. It is up to the elected and civic officials to come together and move ahead for the good of the region. If our regional leaders are really interested in economic development, they must actively work to form an entity that manages and operates our transportation assets and capabilities.

On Friday morning at 9 a.m., Mayor Tom Barrett and several others will unveil Sunshine Park, a new pocket park located at 14th and North. The park serves as the first of more than 20 vacant lots in the city being turned into urban orchards and pocket parks.

The great Milwaukee weekend is here -- how are you going to spend it? You could attend the Urban Island Beach Party, the Ozaukee County Fair or Puerto Rican Festival. Listen to "The Tallest Man on Earth," jazz at the lake, Breadfest or Live at Peck Pavilion. Pedal your way with the "Polish Moon Ride," celebrate at Center Street Daze, attend a ice cream social or shop a Makers Market. All of these great ideas and more await you in this edition of the OnMilwaukee.com Weekend Preview!

J. Crew will open its second Mercantile branded store in the country at The Mayfair Collection shopping center, between Ulta and Men's Wearhouse. J. Crew Mercantile offers a more affordable line of clothing.

This morning, the summer cinematic lakefront tradition announced a change to their four-film lineup. Instead of ending the season with a screening of the new insane action blockbuster "Mad Max: Fury Road," Fish Fry & A Flick will now end its 2015 go-around with the beloved dino classic "Jurassic Park."

The setup and the message are simple: If you do the crime, you're bound to do the time. And according to a report by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, the Phenomenal Men's Support Group (PMSG) aims to paint an accurate picture of what that time in jail is actually like through its Cell on Wheels program.